2012 Kia Rio Named to Best Cars for Teens List by Vroomgirls.com

IRVINE, Calif., April 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The award-winning Kia Rio has been honored once again, this time as one of the "Six Best New Cars for your Teenager" by Vroomgirls.com – the first comprehensive automotive website created by and for women.  The site hailed the Rio for its modern styling, high fuel economy and exceptional overall value.  Also highlighted was the subcompact's abundance of standard amenities, including USB connectivity and steering-wheel controls, while Rio's impressive warranty and available navigation system received nods as well.

"Rio being recognized as one of the 'Six Best New Cars for your Teenager' by Vroomgirls.com further validates all of the virtues which have made it popular with both parents and young drivers," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, Kia Motors America (KMA).  "Excelling in design, fuel economy, value and driving enjoyment makes the Rio a truly well-rounded choice in the competitive subcompact segment."

Editors from Vroomgirls.com evaluated vehicles based on several main parental-focused criteria, including safety, reliability and value, but also considered factors important to teenage drivers such as user-content, fun-to-drive character and styling.  Vroomgirls.com selected the vehicles that offer the best combination of these characteristics.

"Parents want a safe, reliable car for their kids, but teens only care about what's cool," said Tara Weingarten, Vroomgirls.com editor-in-chief.  "The 2012 Kia Rio checks both of those boxes."

To read Vroomgirl.com's "Six Best New Cars For Your Teenager," please visit http://www.vroomgirls.com/6-best-new-cars-for-your-teenager/.

Kia's Unprecedented Growth
Kia Motors is the one of the world's fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer, Peter Schreyer, earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling.  Kia Motors America's full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand.  In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality[2] and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking[3].  Kia's U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds the company's two best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan[4].  Kia's value and technology-laden 2012 model year lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, all-new Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 755 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the Official Automotive Partner of the NBA and LPGA.  In 2011, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and became one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S.  Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, advanced safety features and new technologies.

Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its website – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

[1] Class-leading fuel economy claim for 1.6L GDI engine based on comparison of 2012 subcompacts as of February 2012.  EPA fuel economy estimates 30 mpg/city and 40 mpg/hwy for 2012 Rio. Actual mileage will vary.
[2] Source:  Automotive Lease Guide Spring 2011 Perceived Quality Study
[3] Source: Experian Automotive Q2 2011 market analysis
[4] The Optima GDI (EX Trims and certain LX Trims only) and GDI Turbo are built at KMMG

SOURCE Kia Motors America